Review: 'Romeo and Juliet' by Naugatuck Teen Theatre

Pictured above: Quentin Keith as Romeo and Jessica Sember as Juliet in 'Romeo and Juliet' Photo by Robert Rosa

Dedicated to the memory of Leland Schick

“For never was a story of more woe

Than this of Juliet and her Romeo.” - William Shakespeare

Naugatuck, CT - Naugatuck Teen Theatre decided to tackle work of Shakespeare for their spring play and what better choice for a group of teens than the story of the star-crossed lovers in their early teens than ‘Romeo and Juliet?’

Lucia Dressel of Middlebury is a full-time English professor at Post University and a published author. Needless to say, she is a Shakespeare lover as I am. In her Director’s Note in the program, I discovered that we were first exposed to the works of the Bard at about the same age that led to a lifetime obsession and adoration. She writes: “To me, unlocking Shakespeare’s plays and language was similar to discovering Lewis’ wardrobe, Alice’s rabbit hole, or Rowling’s realm of wizardry.”

‘Romeo and Juliet’ tops the list of Ms. Dressel’s favorite pieces of literature and so it was a dream come true to direct the play with the talented teens that travel from area towns to be part of NTT. She reports that they were thoughtful and eager throughout the rehearsal process. “They have sat through lessons on diction, vocabulary, intent, and dialogue without a single complaint as [they] have crafted a theatre experience that held one purpose--to make Shakespeare understandable and enjoyable to you, the audience.”

In a production that had many strengths, this final thought was perhaps their biggest success. The young performers clearly knew what they were saying and their delivery matched each beautiful line. Between the cheeky synopsis included in the program and the excellent performances, we were free to simply appreciate the language. Carefully chosen music both contemporary and R & J related quietly underscored some scenes and the balcony scene inevitable death scene were visually stunning.

Grace Altenburger, who is currently in rehearsal for the role of Marian Paroo in Blessed Sacrament Children’s Theatre production of ‘The Music Man,’ made time to play the role of the strong Prince Escalus and a servant in her final NTT show. Next year, the eighth grade student at Chase Collegiate School will head to Walnut Hill School for the Arts in Massachusetts. Ms. Altenburger will be playing Ariel in an upcoming Chase production of ‘The Little Mermaid.’

Outstanding in the role of Mercutio in his NTT debut was Killian Meehan a high school junior from Shelton. Mr. Meehan has portrayed Romeo with NBYT and wanted the chance to play this role of Romeo’s friend, and he also played the role of the apothecary who sells poison to Romeo. His three “a plague on both your houses” were most memorable. This young actor had a strong stage presence that he brought to this supporting role and I hope to see him in his future productions.

MaKayla Arroyo, a freshman at Cheshire HS, played the role of Benvolio in her first year with NTT. Allison Bolduc (‘Working’ at NTT) is a junior at Naugatuck HS and played the mother of Romeo, Lady Montague. Anna Conforti (‘Working’ and five other NTT shows,) a sophomore at NHS where she is part of the drama club, gave a wonderful performance as Juliet’s nurse. Jonathan David, a seventh grade student at Seymour Middle School who has appeared with Theatre at TCC, took on the role of Friar Laurence. Sydney Lauer was the regal mother of Juliet, Lady Capulet. Ms. Lauer is a junior at NHS who is a member of the school’s drama club.

Hannah Lavergne, an eleventh grade homeschooled student, played the roles of Tybalt and the servant Balthasar and was strong in both. Loria G. Marshall, an eighth grade student at Memorial Middle School, played Peter/Gregory in his first NTT show. Gunther Moeckel, an eighth grade student at St. Mary Magdalen School, played the role of Country Paris. Ava Piotrowski (‘To Kill a Mockingbird’ with Landmark) played both the servant Abram and Friar John.

Benjamin Dressel of Middlebury was a last minute replacement for the role of the blustery Lord Capulet in his NTT debut, but I would never have guessed it. The youngest Mr. Dressel will be starring in the BSS ‘Music Man’ as Harold Hill in June and he will be great I can assure you. Emily J. Wilcox, a four year veteran of NTT as well as a NHS Chamber Singer and drama club member, played the role of Lord Montague, the father of Romeo. Hanna Zeliantsova, a senior at NHS where she is a member of the Concert Choir, played the roles of Sampson and a page.

Quentin Keith is a junior at Naugatuck HS where he takes part in the drama club, but his portrayal of Romeo was so polished and engrossing that it belied his age. Mr. Keith has appeared in seven NTT productions and has a role in the upcoming adult production of ‘One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest’ with Phoenix Stage Company under the direction of Ms. Dressel. Jessica Sember, another junior at NHS who is also a member of the drama club, was a beautiful Juliet in every way. Ms. Sember appeared in ‘I Never Saw Another Butterfly,’ ‘Godspell,’ ‘You Can’t Take it With You,’ and ‘Working’ with NTT.

Ms. Dressel was blessed with a supportive stage manager who happens to be her daughter Jenny Dressel. The personable and talented Chet Ostroski worked with the students on their fight choreography with fencing swords. The beautiful costumes were designed by Renee Purdy of the Warner Theatre and Jackie Wilcox. The impressive lighting design was by Daniel Wagoner assisted by Jason Begin. The set built by some adults and cast members was just enough for this space and a wooden box in the center aisle of the audience worked well.

NTT is a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting theatrical development of area 7th-12th grade students. Naugatuck Teen Theatre Chairman reports that the program is now in its 24th year. This fall they will be bringing back one of my favorites, ‘Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat’ in November. It will be the 40th show for NTT and the 50th anniversary for ‘Joseph’ and I look forward to attending what promises to be another wonderful NTT production.

Nancy Sasso Janis has been writing theatre reviews since 2012 as a way to support local theatre venues and she posts reviews of well over 100 productions each year. In 2016, she became a member of the Connecticut Critics Circle. She continues to contribute theatre news, previews, and audition notices to local Patch sites. Reviews of all levels of theatrical productions are posted on Naugatuck Patch and the Patch sites closest to the venue. Follow the reviewer on her Facebook pages Nancy Sasso Janis: Theatre Reviewer and Connecticut Theater Previews and on Twitter @nancysjanis417